Southeast Asia: The World’s Most Dynamic Emerging Golf Market
For decades, when people think of golf, they often think of familiar names like Scotland, the US, or Japan. But in recent years, another region has been quietly rising, capturing the attention of the international golf community: Southeast Asia. From the idyllic coastlines of Vietnam, luxury golf resorts in Thailand, to golf courses hidden in the rainforests of Indonesia or Malaysia, this region is becoming a new golden destination on the world golf map and one of the most exciting emerging golf markets today.
The Rising in Golf Tourism in Southeast Asia
If Thailand is considered the “cradle” of golf tourism in the region, then Vietnam is the “rising star” leading the development speed. A series of new international standard golf courses have sprung up along the central coast from Da Nang, Quy Nhon to Nha Trang, helping Vietnam to be consecutively honored as “Asia’s Leading Golf Destination” at the World Golf Awards for many consecutive years.
Not only Vietnam, but other countries in the region are also investing heavily to make golf in Southeast Asia more appealing
- Thailand organizes a series of international events such as the Thailand Golf Festival, while upgrading golf resort services to target luxury guests.
- Indonesia and Malaysia take advantage of diverse natural landscapes from volcanoes, rainforests to islands to develop golf courses with strong local identity.
- Singapore and the Philippines focus on the golf segment combined with MICE, attracting businessmen and high-end guests.
This boom comes not only from infrastructure investment but also from changes in travel behavior: golfers today want more than just an 18-hole round, they seek complete golf and travel packages combining golf, spa, cuisine and cultural experiences.
Why Southeast Asia is The New “Paradise” for Golfers
Diverse and spectacular landscapes
Nowhere in the world can offer such a rich variety of terrain as this tropical golf destination.
In Vietnam, golfers can hit the ball amidst the limestone mountains of Trang An, or watch the sunrise on the Quy Nhon coast when entering the first fairway. In Thailand, you can play golf in the lush green valley of Chiang Mai in the morning and enjoy cocktails by the lake in Hua Hin in the afternoon.
Golf courses such as Laguna Lang Co (Vietnam), Black Mountain (Thailand), Bali National (Indonesia) or Els Club Desaru Coast (Malaysia) are all highly appreciated by experts not only for their technical design but also for the beautiful blend of nature and architecture.
Luxury but still affordable
One of the biggest advantages of golf in Southeast Asia is affordability without sacrificing quality.
- In Vietnam or Thailand, the average green fee is only 60–120 USD (including caddie and golf cart).
- Meanwhile, in Japan, Korea or Europe, this price can be up to 150–300 USD for a round.
What is more special is that despite the cheaper price, the service at golf courses in the area is still extremely professional, friendly and attentive, reflecting the typical hospitality culture of Southeast Asians.
The perfect “Golf + Resort + Spa” experience
The region has mastered the art of the all-in-one experience, combining golf, resort and spa into seamless golf and travel packages.
At Hoiana Shores Golf Club, after completing a round of golf, you can enjoy spa therapy, enjoy Vietnamese-European fusion cuisine and stroll around Hoi An ancient town in the evening.
At Black Mountain Hua Hin, golfers can stay in a private villa overlooking the lake, play golf in the morning and surf in the afternoon.
This concept is redefining tropical golf destinations, making the region perfect for couples, families and even non golfers.
Mild climate, golf all year round
Southeast Asia’s tropical and subtropical climate allows golfers to play golf 12 months a year.
- Thailand and southern Vietnam have an ideal dry season from November to April.
- Northern Vietnam attracts golfers thanks to its cool winter air, especially at courses such as Trang An, Tam Dao or Sky Lake.
Whatever the season, golfers can always find an ideal course in this tropical golf paradise.
Outstanding Destinations on the Southeast Asia Golf Map
Vietnam – Rising Star
With more than 60 golf courses in operation and dozens of new projects stretching from North to South, Vietnam is the fastest emerging golf market in Southeast Asia. Each golf course here is not only a place for competition but also a work of art combining international design and native landscape, a perfect showcase of how golf in Southeast Asia blends nature, culture and world-class standards.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club
Nestled amid the lush, forested hills just outside Da Nang, Ba Na Hills Golf Club feels like a sanctuary above the clouds. Designed by Luke Donald in collaboration with IMG, this 18-hole, par-72 championship course winds through verdant valleys and rolling terrain that provide both strategic complexity and visual drama.
The front nine offers wide, forgiving fairways surrounded by pine trees and tranquil streams, while the back nine becomes more demanding with tighter landing zones and significant elevation changes. Early mornings are especially magical. Mist drifts over the fairways and shafts of light cut through the dense forest, creating an atmosphere of pure serenity that defines a true tropical golf destination.
Voted “Asia’s Best Golf Course” multiple times by World Golf Awards, Ba Na Hills is not just a test of skill but also a journey into the heart of Vietnam’s pristine highlands where golf and travel packages offer the ultimate blend of sport and relaxation.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club
Hoiana Shores Golf Club
Stretching along 4 kilometers of unspoiled shoreline south of Hoi An, Hoiana Shores Golf Club is Vietnam’s first true links-style course, crafted by the legendary Robert Trent Jones II. The course’s design celebrates the raw beauty of the central coast with rolling sand dunes, native grasses and strong sea breezes that shift direction throughout the day.
Each of the 18 holes blends seamlessly into the natural terrain, making it one of the most iconic destinations for golf in Southeast Asia. The fairways are wide but deceptive, with firm turf that rewards creative shot-making and careful ball placement. The final stretch, especially the 16th through 18th holes runs directly along the beach, providing unforgettable ocean views.
Beyond the golf, Hoiana Shores anchors the Hoiana Integrated Resort, which includes luxury hotels, a casino, fine dining and access to the UNESCO listed town of Hoi An, a highlight for golfers seeking premium golf and travel packages.
Hoiana Shores Golf Club
>>> Discover this 2-day Hoiana Shores Stay & Play package for a premium golf in Southeast Asia experience that combines championship play, seaside scenery, and luxury resort comfort on Vietnam’s central coast.
FLC Quy Nhon Golf Links
Located on a spectacular peninsula overlooking the South China Sea, FLC Quy Nhon Golf Links is a true showcase of coastal golf design by Nicklaus Design. The 36-hole complex includes two distinct courses: the Ocean Course and the Mountain Course, each offering a different rhythm and scenery.
The Ocean Course features dramatic elevation changes, panoramic sea views and constant coastal winds that test precision and strategy. Meanwhile, the Mountain Course cuts inland through dunes and forest, demanding accuracy off the tee. Together, they deliver one of the most diverse golfing experiences in Vietnam.
Beyond the fairways, FLC Quy Nhon offers a full resort ecosystem with ocean-view villas, spa and restaurants, making it ideal for golf and travel packages that blends luxury and nature.
FLC Quy Nhon Golf Links
Thailand – Regional Golf Powerhouse
It is no exaggeration to call Thailand “Asia’s golf paradise”. With more than 250 international standard golf courses, this country not only has a complete infrastructure but also owns a series of top-notch golf tourism experiences in the region.
Black Mountain Golf Club
Located just 10 kilometers from Hua Hin, Black Mountain Golf Club is often hailed as the crown jewel of Thai golf. Designed by Phil Ryan from Pacific Coast Design, this 27-hole championship course is a seamless blend of natural beauty and technical precision.
Carved through undulating terrain, the course features emerald fairways framed by black granite mountains and sparkling lakes, a contrast that gives it both name and character. Water hazards and strategically placed bunkers make every hole a test of both accuracy and imagination.
Black Mountain has been voted “Best Golf Course in Asia Pacific” multiple times and regularly hosts prestigious tournaments such as the Thailand Open and Asian Tour events. Beyond the fairways, the adjoining resort offers luxurious villas, a spa, water park and fine dining, making it an all-in-one golf retreat for both families and professionals.
Black Mountain Golf Club
Thai Country Club
Just 45 minutes from central Bangkok, Thai Country Club stands as a symbol of sophistication and world-class service. Managed by the Peninsula Group and designed by Denis Griffiths, this 18-hole championship course delivers a perfect balance between strategic play and 5-star luxury.
Having hosted numerous international tournaments including the Volvo Masters Asia and Asian Tour events, the course has welcomed golfing legends like Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh. The fairways are wide and manicured to perfection, yet subtle elevation changes and water-lined holes demand tactical precision.
Off the course, Thai Country Club is all about refinement. From attentive caddies and clubhouse cuisine to private meeting rooms, it’s a favorite among business travelers and corporate golfers looking to mix work with play in true Bangkok style.
Thai Country Club
Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort
For golfers seeking tranquility, Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort offers an escape into the misty mountains of northern Thailand. Designed by Schmidt-Curley Design, this 27-hole layout sits in a fertile valley surrounded by rolling hills and Buddhist temples which is a setting that feels almost spiritual.
The course features wide fairways, fast greens and dramatic elevation changes, allowing players to enjoy both beauty and strategy in equal measure. Each hole flows naturally into the next and the mountain backdrop shifts color throughout the day from soft morning mist to golden sunset hues.
Beyond golf, the resort’s spa and Thai restaurant are among the best in the region, inviting guests to unwind in peaceful luxury. The cool mountain air makes it playable year-round, a welcome retreat from Thailand’s tropical heat.
Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort
>>> For those looking to explore a complete golf getaway in Northern Thailand, check out this 5-day Chiang Mai Golf Tour – one of the most popular golf in Southeast Asia experiences combining championship courses, culture, and relaxation.
Laem Chabang International Country Club
Located in Chonburi province, midway between Bangkok and Pattaya, Laem Chabang International Country Club is a masterpiece crafted by Jack Nicklaus. The complex features 27 holes divided into three distinct nines: Mountain, Lake and Valley, each offering a unique terrain and playing experience.
The Mountain nine is dramatic and challenging, with elevated tees and panoramic vistas. The Lake nine weaves through natural water bodies, demanding precision, while the Valley nine flows gently through palm trees and tropical gardens, providing a more relaxed rhythm.
The combination of variety, meticulous maintenance and scenic setting has made Laem Chabang a must-play for both local and international golfers. Complementing the golf are luxury accommodations, Japanese and Thai restaurants and one of the region’s best-equipped pro shops.
Laem Chabang International Country Club
Indonesia & Malaysia – Hidden Gems in Nature
If Thailand and Vietnam are too familiar, Indonesia and Malaysia are “hidden gems” where golfers can find peace, pristine landscapes and exploratory experiences.
Indonesia
Bali National Golf Club
Located in the heart of Nusa Dua, this 18-hole championship course captures the elegance of Balinese design and the charm of coastal golf. It’s one of the most scenic tropical golf destinations, offering both challenge and serenity for anyone exploring golf in Southeast Asia. After a round, golfers can unwind at nearby luxury resorts, enjoy spa treatments, or dive in Bali’s turquoise waters, making it the perfect mix of sport and indulgence.
Bali National Golf Club
Handara Golf & Resort Bali
Nestled more than 1,400 meters above sea level, Handara offers a rare mountain golf experience in the tropics. Designed by five-time Open Champion Peter Thomson, the course is set within an ancient volcanic crater surrounded by pine forests and cool misty air. Each hole flows naturally through the landscape, creating a peaceful, almost spiritual round. The iconic Handara Gate at the entrance has become a must-see landmark for golfers visiting Bali.
This peaceful retreat exemplifies the growing appeal of tropical golf destinations for players seeking authenticity and calm away from the usual resort crowds.
Handara Golf & Resort Bali
>>> Explore this 6-day Bali Golf Experience for an unforgettable golf in Southeast Asia journey that showcases Bali’s stunning courses, tropical scenery, and luxury resort lifestyle.
Malaysia
The Els Club Teluk Datai
Designed by Ernie Els, this award-winning course sits between the Andaman Sea and Langkawi’s ancient rainforest. It’s a true celebration of nature – there are no bunkers here, only streams, jungle, and natural slopes forming the defense. The silence, the ocean breeze, and the occasional call of exotic birds create an unforgettable sense of calm, making every hole a moment of connection with the landscape.
The Els Club Teluk Datai
>>> Find out more about the Els Club Teluk Datai – a signature course that perfectly embodies the charm of tropical golf destinations in Malaysia.
Saujana Golf & Country Club
One of Malaysia’s most prestigious clubs, Saujana has hosted numerous Asian and European Tour events. Its two championship layouts, Palm and Bunga Raya, offer tight fairways, rolling terrain, and greens that demand precision. Conveniently located just outside Kuala Lumpur, Saujana is the go-to choice for both local elites and visiting business travelers seeking a quick, world-class golf escape near the city.
Saujana Golf & Country Club
From natural beauty, affordability, quality service and friendly people, golf in Southeast Asia offers everything to please even the most demanding golfer. Whether you are looking for a beachside golf course, a resort-spa holiday, or simply want to hit the ball in the middle of a tropical jungle, Southeast Asia is where every swing is a memorable experience. Contact us today to discover the best golf destinations in Southeast Asia and start planning your unforgettable golfing experience.
Read More:
